Skip to content
S

Braidwood Central School vs Lucas Heights Community School

A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 191 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBraidwood Central School
Braidwood NSW
Lucas Heights Community School
Barden Ridge NSW
Success Index
50
Top 50%
51
Top 50%
State rank (type)#207 of 314#198 of 314
National rank (type)#658 of 1,259#624 of 1,259
SectorGovernmentGovernment
TypeCombinedCombined
Year rangeK-12K-12
Students306796
Girls / boys140 / 166370 / 426
Foundation intake1225
Year 7 cohort2969
Year 12 cohort2488
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-12%-1%
ICSEA
Average 1000
10051038
ICSEA percentile49th63th
Top SEA quarter12%18%
Bottom SEA quarter31%21%
Students per teacher9.411.4
Teaching staff (FTE)32.769.9
Non-teaching staff (FTE)12.119.7
Language background other than English6%16%
Indigenous students6%4%
SuburbBraidwood 2622Barden Ridge 2234
Council areaQueanbeyan-PalerangSutherland
RemotenessInner RegionalMajor Cities
Websitebraidwood-c.schools.nsw.gov.aulucasheigh-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

The verdict

  • •Lucas Heights Community School scores higher on the Success Index (51.4 vs 50.0).
  • •Lucas Heights Community School has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 1005), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Braidwood Central School has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 11.4).
  • •Lucas Heights Community School is the larger school with 796 students compared with 306.
  • •Lucas Heights Community School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -12%).

The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.

Free academic assessment

Torn between two schools? Start with your child.

Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.

  • Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
  • English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
  • Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
  • Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dickson

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Braidwood Central School better than Lucas Heights Community School?

On the Success Index, Lucas Heights Community School ranks higher (51.4 vs 50.0 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.

How far apart are Braidwood Central School and Lucas Heights Community School?

About 191 km in a straight line, between Braidwood and Barden Ridge in New South Wales.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Braidwood Central School has 9.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lucas Heights Community School has 11.4.

How do Braidwood Central School and Lucas Heights Community School rank in NSW?

Braidwood Central School is 207th of 314 and Lucas Heights Community School is 198th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.